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| March 23, 2007 | Friday | Rabi-ul-Awwal 3, 1428 |
Rhodes relishes role of secret weapon
BASSETERRE, March 22: Jonty Rhodes hopes his legacy as one of the world's greatest fielders can help propel South Africa not only to the World Cup but also complete domination of the game.
Hailed as world's best fielder in his playing days in 1990s, Rhodes is regarded as the Proteas' secret weapon at the 2007 World Cup as his country attempts to win a first title.
South Africa's credentials as the new world No 1 will be severely tested on Saturday when they face two-time defending World Cup champions Australia in their final Group A game.
“The aim is not only to win the World Cup but take South Africa to the top of the tree with specific steps,” said Rhodes, part of the four failed World Cup campaigns since South Africa's re-admittance to international cricket in 1992.
“The difference now with this team is that we don't just have a few individuals but we have got players who know their roles.”
South Africa were eliminated in a farcical manner in the 1992 semi-final against England in Sydney when a tough but manageable target of 22 off 13 balls became an impossible 21 off one ball after a short rain break.
“We had no idea about international cricket. We only had lots of provincial cricket experience so it was a real fact finding mission and we lost in a horrible manner,” recalled Rhodes.
“In 1996, South Africa were favourites after winning the first five matches but in our first knock-out match Brian Lara made a great century to knock us out.”
In the last two tournaments, in 1999 and 2003, a single run thwarted South Africa in tied matches, spectacularly in a semi-final against Australia in 1999 and miserably against Sri Lanka four years later when they needed a win to go beyond the first round.
“Just one run made the difference. It makes you realise that whether it's from the bat or you save it in the field, one run can make the difference in the end. Surprisingly, we didn't play consistent cricket.”
Rhodes asserted maintaining consistency in selection has helped the South Africa team.
“We have had some good selections which is important. The guys at four, five and six know what to do and having consistent selection enabled the players in the last year to know and able to carry out their roles.”
Rhodes said coach Mickey Arthur has planned practice schedules in such a manner that everyone gets to do fielding drills.
“What has helped Mickey is that he has structured practice in a manner that once someone completes batting he gets fielding practice,” said Rhodes. “I think South Africa is the best fielding team in the world, obviously the dropped catches in Australia were certainly highlighted, otherwise there wasn't a huge differences between them.”—AFP
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